Pet emergency
My dog ate Large-Leaved Butterwort — what to do
Step by step
- Take large-leaved butterwort away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My dog ate large-leaved butterwort — FAQ
Is large-leaved butterwort poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Large-Leaved Butterwort (Pinguicula macrophylla) as mildly toxic to dogs. Pinguicula macrophylla is not specifically listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The genus Pinguicula is not among the known highly toxic plant groups. Ingestion may cause mild, transient gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs. A precautionary mildly-toxic rating is applied pending confirmed ASPCA non-toxic status.
How serious is it if my dog ate large-leaved butterwort?
Large-Leaved Butterwort is mildly toxic, so most dogs get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your dog ate a lot or symptoms persist.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Pinguicula macrophylla is not specifically listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The genus Pinguicula is not among the known highly toxic plant groups. Ingestion may cause mild, transient gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs. A precautionary mildly-toxic rating is applied pending confirmed ASPCA non-toxic status. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my dog vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep large-leaved butterwort well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is large-leaved butterwort toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Large-Leaved Butterwort and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide